Minnesota ranks as the 4th most bicycle friendly state in the U.S. by the League of American Bicyclists for many reasons. Probably one of the biggest reasons is that the Twin Cities is home to an avid bicyclist population that rides in all weather conditions at all times of the year.
While ridership may decrease during the colder months, it is still important to keep a watchful eye on the roads. Here are some facts and tips to help you stay aware and stay safe.
Nearly A Quarter of All Bicycle Accidents Occur Between October and March
In 2012, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) approximated that 28 percent of fatal bicycle accidents and 22 percent of bicyclist injury accidents occurred during the colder months in Minnesota (October through March). Additionally, one-third of all bicycle and car accidents occurred during the peak rush hours between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Tips for Sharing the Road During Winter Months
What this means for drivers is that you must continue to remain vigilant while driving on icy and snowy Minnesota streets this winter:
- Watch for bike riders in the lane ahead of you
- Do not encroach upon marked bike lanes
- If you choose to pass a cyclist in front of you, make sure the path for oncoming traffic is clear
This also means that bicyclists must also practice safe riding, especially considering it gets darker earlier:
- Wear brightly colored clothing
- Use the right equipment to help signal your presence to drivers
- Take safety courses to improve your wet-weather and icy road riding skills
- Learn about combining cycling with public transit to make the best of wintry weather conditions
Traffic Regulations Apply to Both Drivers and Bicyclists
One of the best things everyone can to do help avoid bicycle crashes this winter is to remember that the rules of the road apply to both riders and drivers. Minnesota treats bicycles as motor vehicles, which means that all state laws and traffic signals and signs apply equally to all parties. This includes the requirement to yield the right of way. Failure to yield the right of way contributed to 30 percent of bicyclist-caused accidents and 44 percent of driver-caused accidents in 2010.
What Other Steps Can We Take to Help Decrease Bicycle Accidents This Winter?
Are there other safety tips you can share with the Twin Cities’ community to help limit the number of bicycle accidents this winter? We’d appreciate you sharing them with us here or by calling us at 612-874-6109.
Photo credit: Some rights reserved by James Dennes